Christians across the country will be gathering today in observance of the 64th annual National Day of Prayer, the theme of which this year is “Lord, Hear Our Cry.”

The theme comes from I Kings 8:28, which states, “Hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying in Your presence this day,” and serves as a rallying cry to Christians to intercede for the spiritual and physical needs of the nation.

“This [year’s observance] will have profound significance for our nation,” John Bornschein, National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force Vice Chairman, told reporters. “By crying out together in prayer, we have an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as we call upon citizens to humbly come before His throne.”

In Washington, D.C., Dr. Jack Graham, pastor of the 40,000 member Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, whose services are featured on the television broadcast “PowerPoint,” will deliver the keynote address at the Cannon House Office Building. Other speakers include Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Louie Gohmert, Senate Chaplain Barry Black, District of Columbia Judge Robert Rigsby and Christian filmmaker Alex Kendrick.

“May [our churches] become places were we worship You instead of entertain each other,” prayed Dr. Glenn Sheppard of International Prayer Ministries at a men’s prayer breakfast in D.C. this morning. “We acknowledge that we have been wicked. We ask that you would purify our pulpits [and] purify the tables of conversation of our families…”

Other gatherings will be held in cities across America at city halls, courthouses and local churches.

“This annual observance powerfully demonstrates the religious freedoms that were secured by our Founding Fathers who recognized that our innate human rights are inexorably tied to our relationship with the Creator,” commented Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force.

Throughout America’s early history, a number of the Founding Fathers issued proclamations calling inhabitants to prayer, including in 1798, when President John Adams proclaimed a national day of humiliation, prayer and fasting.

“As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him,” he wrote, “…this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities—the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity—are a loud call to repentance and reformation.”

President Abraham Lincoln also proclaimed a National Fast Day in 1863.

“[I]t is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord,” his proclamation read.

“[I]nsomuch we know that by His Divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people,” Lincoln said.

Editor’s Note:To learn about a National Day of Prayer gathering near you, click here.

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UmustBKiddinMe

“National Day of Prayer”

Yet another example of how the “war on Christianity” is complete hyperbole.

FoJC_Forever

You and our kind participate in the war on Christianity every day. You are antichrist. You are of your father, the Devil.

Paul Hiett

Can you point to anything in the Bible where the Devil actually lied?

Oboehner

Start at the beginning.

Paul Hiett

You mean where god lied to Adam and Eve about eating the apple, and Satan told them the truth?

Oboehner

What did God lie about? Are we as gods now as Satan said that Eve disobeyed?

Paul Hiett

Isn’t this a lie, ““You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”?

Oboehner

So then Adam and Eve are alive today?

Paul Hiett

/facepalm

Really? That’s what you’re going to go with?

Oboehner

I was assuming given your usual asinine statements that’s what you were looking for. Tell me what else that could possibly mean.

Paul Hiett

God told them they would die if they ate it. Did that happen or not?

Oboehner

They are dead.

Paul Hiett

Well yeah, everyone dies eventually, but the point stands. They ate the fruit and did not die. God clearly lied to them and Satan told the truth. Is that not a correct statement?

Oboehner

Did he say they would drop dead instantly? Or perhaps it was spiritual death?
Are we as “gods”?

Paul Hiett

If someone tells you that you will die if you eat something, what is the reasonable expectation if you eat it?

FoJC_Forever

They died. When God created them, they weren’t intended to die. There was another tree.

Paul Hiett

Rationalize it any way you want. You know that’s untrue.

Deina

Death was always part of His plan, even before Eve met the serpent. Otherwise He couldn’t have said “go forth & multiply.” Without Death to decrease the population He would have needed to violate the laws of physics that He created.

FoJC_Forever

Not true.

Deina

What do you mean “not true”?

You mean God didn’t say “Go forth & multiply”? Then why is it in Genesis?

Or maybe you don’t think that He created the physical laws that govern life, the universe, & everything?

Or do you mean the Earth wouldn’t be even more overpopulated than it is now if there were no death? Maybe you can show us how that works by moving the Golden Gate Bridge to your bathroom. Love to see the pictures!

If death isn’t part of His plan, why did He create lions & tigers & bears – oh my! And all the other carnivores?

Do put a bit more thought into your answers – any four-year-old can play the “is not, Is to!” game.

amostpolitedebate

I’m pretty sure that according to the old testament people were functionally immortal before the apple incident. They didn’t die right away after eating the fruit but they did die *eventually* which wouldn’t have happened had they just followed the rules like they were told.

Of course, this version of the story has holes of it’s own that you could drive a semi through, but God lying isn’t really one of them.

MisterPine

Why would you care? Isn’t that just “popular opinion”?

Josey

Not only did they die physically but they died spiritually, that is the reason God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to redeem us back from satan who lied to Eve for Adam ate not being deceived and sin entered into the world, their eyes were open to things, that is why they realized they were naked and they were suddenly ashamed of that and tried to hide from God.

Oboehner

Now instead of ignoring this: “Satan told them the truth” Why don’t you explain how we are like “gods”.

Paul Hiett

I’m not following you. What do you mean we are like gods? Do you mean like parents?

Oboehner

No, just as the phrase indicates – a deity.

Deina

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Is that what you were looking for?

Oboehner

Satan clearly stated they would BECOME as “gods” meaning that they were not. BTW image doesn’t mean clone.

Croco Dile

No need to argue about fairy tales.
Most Christians don’t believe many things from their book of fairy tales anyway.

UmustBKiddinMe

Since the “war on Christianity” does not exist in the US, I cannot be participating in it.

“You are antichrist.”

Not in the least.

“You are of your father, the Devil.”

No, I am not my father, nor was my father the Devil. He was Harold.

MisterPine

I don’t think he can make up his mind. The other day he said Paul Hiett was the devil.

Anyone who rejects the Father and the Son, Jesus (the) Christ, is antichrist. You do, so you are.

No, you are not your father, that’s not what I wrote. You are of (in agreement with) your father, the Devil, who is also antichrist.

UmustBKiddinMe

“You’re simply ignoring information”

On the contrary. You are attempting to paint an effort to place Christianity on equal footing with other religions and no longer basing secular laws on the Christian belief system as a “war on Christianity”. Just because you aren’t being allowed to impose your will on others, does not mean there is a war on your faith.

“Anyone who rejects the Father and the Son, Jesus (the) Christ, is antichrist”

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Luke 6:36-38King James Version (KJV)

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Every Christian should know this by heart but you must have missed it. Just because you can find texts that back up your point of view it doesn’t make you a judge over anyone.

FoJC_Forever

You too use these Scriptures incorrectly simply to make yourself look good to those who don’t want to acknowledge their Sin. This is why the pagan religion of Catholicism is so appealing to the world. No matter what you and your partner in crime “Watchman on the Wall” write or say to me or about me, your words are simply vapor, existing for a short time then vanishing.

Yes, it can, to a degree. But, it depends on whether it’s physical in nature or spiritual. God doesn’t “treat” those who are possessed and controlled by demons; He frees them.

That said, I’m not either paranoid nor schizophrenic.

The Catholic “church” is built upon the blood and suffering of those who refused to submit to their pagan teachings. It wouldn’t be tolerated much now, or you would still be doing it. Instead, they pretend to be kind and care about the poor and children. So many children have been abused and molested by Catholics it boggles the mind.

Judgement is coming.

It is unfortunate that you have an illness, a disorder which can’t be “treated”. It is called unbelief. The only way to overcome this sin is to forsake your vain religion and follow Jesus (the) Christ.

“No matter what you and your partner in crime “Watchman on the Wall”
write or say to me or about me, your words are simply vapor, existing
for a short time then vanishing.”

Since I do not know this person (and so far as I know he does not know me) then this “conspiracy” exists in your mind, not in reality. This is properly termed paranoia.

“I know your kind well. You are calculating and predatory, but you won’t find me to be your prey.”

You know nothing (and I repeat “nothing”) about me yet you believe that I am “preying” upon you. Assuming you aren’t paranoid, then you are trying very hard to appear so.

Your continued insults regarding my spiritual condition might be taken seriously if you had the decency to answer my question as to whether or not, having once accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord when I was Evangelical, I am or am not still saved. You care more about defaming Catholics than you do about the condition of their souls. This is contemptible.

If you ever get down of your soapbox long enough to engage in something resembling civil discourse I’ll be happy to have one with you. In the meantime, don’t cast your “pearls” before me since you seem convinced I am “swine.”

FoJC_Forever

The reality of Satan, the chief demon, and those who fell with him is Truth. You don’t have to know the person, nor consciously conspire with him or her to be in league with them. Satan is using you, and Satan is using him or her. Simple Truth.

Your continued confession of mental illness over me will result in your experiencing the same. You should stop now, while you still have your faculties.

Seriously… I don’t remember Jesus calling for national prayer days in the Bible. But he DID say to pray without the purpose of being seen, which contradicts this whole event

FoJC_Forever

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” ~Jesus

Croco Dile

The act of prayer seems a little odd for people with belief in a god who is supposed to be impassible, omniscient and omnibenevolent. Clearly an omniscient god would already be aware of your problems and know what you want. Ultimately, your request may be regarded by god as either good or evil. If it is good, then why would god not have granted your wishes already? If it is evil, then why would god ever grant your request?

“Now, you come along, and pray for something. Well suppose the thing you want isn’t in God’s Divine Plan? What do you want Him to do? Change His plan? Just for you? Doesn’t it seem a little arrogant? It’s a Divine Plan. What’s the use of being God if every run-down schmuck with a two-dollar prayerbook can come along and f*ck up Your Plan?”— George Carlin

FoJC_Forever

If you would only realize how irrelevant your comments about God, His Word, and His Will are, you might not waste your time typing them.

LadyFreeBird<God'sNotDead

Even Satan used Scripture against Christ ,when he tempted him. <

Oboehner

Lord hear our cry as we ignore you and do what we want anyway. Bless us as we support evil because it is the lesser and vote for those start empirical wars all over the globe killing tens of thousands of innocent people. For we put our faith in corrupt politicians while we sit and ignore the evil things they do.

MisterPine

That’s terrible, you’re a Christian, why are you ignoring your lord and doing what you want anyway, supporting evil and voting for those who start empirical wars? Why are you putting your faith in corrupt politicians and ignoring their evil?

You are one bitter man. I don’t know why I let myself get sucked into this negativity and frankly I have more important things to do than feed your overinflated opinion of yourself.

Oboehner

Yet I get to reap the “rewards” of your overinflated opinion of uber-liberal Romney and friends.

gregkliebigsr

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

ACTS 17: 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

ACTS 2: 21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

So, most precious one, pray this prayer!!

“Oh, GOD in Heaven, I come to you now in faith ,

believing that you sent your ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS, TO TAKE AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!

You, JESUS, took away my sin by giving your life on a cross, by dying for sin! I also believe that BY YOUR SHED BLOOD I

AM WASHED AND MADE CLEAN FROM ALL SIN!

I believe and accept the FACT THAT THREE DAYS LATER

YOU CAME BACK TO LIFE; HAVING BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY GOD THE FATHER WITH THE POWER OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT!!

I, now, by faith, accept YOU AS MY SAVIOR,

AS MY REDEEMER AND AS MY LORD!!”

“My Lord Jesus, I also ask that you would fill me up with your

PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT and lead my life now for YOUR GLORY! I THANK YOU THAT NOW , I AM SAVED!

I THANK YOU THAT MY NAME IS WRITTEN DOWN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE!”

” THANK YOU MY LORD AND MY GOD, JESUS, I AM YOURS!”

” I AM A CHILD OF GOD ALMIGHTY THANK YOU, JESUS!”

ACTS 17: 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

ACTS 2: 21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

So, most precious one, pray this prayer!!

“Oh, GOD in Heaven, I come to you now in faith ,

believing that you sent your ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS, TO TAKE AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!

You, JESUS, took away my sin by giving your life on a cross, by dying for sin! I also believe that BY YOUR SHED BLOOD I

AM WASHED AND MADE CLEAN FROM ALL SIN!

I believe and accept the FACT THAT THREE DAYS LATER

YOU CAME BACK TO LIFE; HAVING BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY GOD THE FATHER WITH THE POWER OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT!!

I, now, by faith, accept YOU AS MY SAVIOR,

AS MY REDEEMER AND AS MY LORD!!”

“My Lord Jesus, I also ask that you would fill me up with your

PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT and lead my life now for YOUR GLORY! I THANK YOU THAT NOW , I AM SAVED!

I THANK YOU THAT MY NAME IS WRITTEN DOWN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE!”

” THANK YOU MY LORD AND MY GOD, JESUS, I AM YOURS!”

” I AM A CHILD OF GOD ALMIGHTY THANK YOU, JESUS!”

AMEN!!

Croco Dile

Since someone who has committed many repugnant actions can still have salvation, this seems as incompatible with the idea of a just god. It is also incompatible with the argument from justice, which claims that our actions are rewarded or punished, either in this life or in the afterlife.

A god who threatens heaven or hell based on acceptance of dogma basically does not have a healthy relationship with humans. The threats and incentives would just gather humans that lived in fear or wanted to gain a reward from god – rather like the calculated self interest of Pascal’s wager. A superior relationship would be one based on respect, not force.

DM

you know I really will pray for you — may God bless and keep you — I’ll be praying for you CD on that day and every day, as I do for all unbelievers — may you come to know the joy I have now and forever in my heart with my Lord and Savior

Croco Dile

The act of prayer seems a little odd for people with belief in a god who is supposed to be impassible, omniscient and omnibenevolent. Clearly an omniscient god would already be aware of your problems and know what you want. Ultimately, your request may be regarded by god as either good or evil. If it is good, then why would god not have granted your wishes already? If it is evil, then why would god ever grant your request?

“Now, you come along, and pray for something. Well suppose the thing you want isn’t in god’s Divine Plan? What do you want Him to do? Change His plan? Just for you? Doesn’t it seem a little arrogant? It’s a Divine Plan. What’s the use of being god if every run-down schmuck with a two-dollar prayerbook can come along and f*ck up Your Plan?”— George Carlin

LadyFreeBird<God'sNotDead

And Amen !!

Bobby Mae

Matthew 6:5″And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

weasel1886

What am i supposed to pray for?

FoJC_Forever

You need Salvation, first. Until you receive this, you are simply groping in Darkness.

weasel1886

So just like the rest you can’t answer a simple question about matters of faith

Bobby Mae

It’s the Christian way. If you’re not already evangelical you’re of the devil 😉

FoJC_Forever

I answered your question. You didn’t like the answer, so you are claiming it’s not an answer.

When you know Jesus, are saved from your Sin, then the Holy Spirit will fill you, lead you, and you will know for what you need to pray in your situation.

So, until you’re saved from your Sin by Jesus, you’re just groping in Darkness.

weasel1886

Many people that have done evil things have truly believed they have been led by the holy spirit

FoJC_Forever

Lucifer believed he could exalt himself above God. Obviously, he was completely deceived by his own iniquity.

LeftCoast

Your family, your kids, your spouse, your health, your blessings like work, you can pray for your neighbors, your local leaders, your state leaders, and the most important, gratitude for all of these things. Just be thankful to God. Also, you have to pray for forgiveness of sins.

weasel1886

Why do I need a national day to do that?

amostpolitedebate

They don’t really. I think it’s just a nice way for people to do something collectively and feel connected to the larger Christian culture.

That or praying in groups makes God more likely to do your bidding. It depends who you ask I suppose.

weasel1886

You make a lot of sense. I agre it’s a nice activity but not necessary.

amostpolitedebate

I prayed for a ham sandwich, but if you’re trying to cut calories you can pray for turkey instead.

Tim

Trust in God. He will trust in you. I’ve read that prayer is on the rise even as memberships in churches are declining. My best times are when I am in prayer with God.

Church Politics

How about stop practicing your fake religion, get off your ass and do something. You know….like a disciple of Jesus Christ who actually puts up real resistance.

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